1985 Mercruiser 260 w/ alpha 1 trouble shifting

[Iceguy1]

First time poster, and desperately needing help. I bought a 1985 Chris Craft Scorpion with a Mercruiser 260 and alpha 1 drive. It's got a few problems but my big problem is shifting. I replaced the shift plate assembly with the new style switch. Adjusted the cables to specs and checked both cables for slack. Very little slack in the cables, less then the acceptable tolerance. Once all that was done, I still couldn't engage reverse. It may sound bad, but I elongated the slotted hole where the lower shift cable connects to the shift plate. Now it shifts pretty good into both forward and reverse most of the time.

My problems are... It has a very hard time shifting into reverse with the wheel turned hard over. Also, engine still stalls occasionally when shifting out of gear to neutral. With small adjustments at a time, I've adjusted the shift cutout switch as best I can, but it still stalls on occasion.

I have several questions. One, is me having to elongate the slotted hole to be able to engage reverse an indicator of a bigger problem? I've read that some older alpha drives require this. Two, does anyone have any advice on what to look for with these particular symptoms before I go removing the out drive? I'm assuming lower shift cable but wondering if there's more to my problem. Also, don't know if it could be related but I do have a slight knocking sound at idle speed when the wheel is turned hard over only. I assume this is a u-joint problem. Wondering if that could have anything to do with my shifting issues.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

 

[wrench 3]

Stalling when shifting into neutral is the main symptom of a bad lower shift cable. Replace the cable, make all the adjustments and see how it works. Don't forget to take a close look at the "U" joints while the drives out.

 

[Bt Doctur]

And having to elongate the slot could mean a worn shift spool

 

[Iceguy1]

Thank you both. I appreciate the info. Makes me feel better. I was worried there may be bigger issues with the outdrive.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Fishermark]

Thank you both. I appreciate the info. Makes me feel better. I was worried there may be bigger issues with the outdrive.

Thanks
Mark

Not to be the bearer of bad news... but the shift cable is easy. The worn shift spool not so much.

If you look at the Mercuiser section in the stickies at the top of the page, the DIY posts - you will see a section of vieos - one of them explains how to test the shift spool.

 

[Iceguy1]

Not to be the bearer of bad news... but the shift cable is easy. The worn shift spool not so much.

If you look at the Mercuiser section in the stickies at the top of the page, the DIY posts - you will see a section of vieos - one of them explains how to test the shift spool.

Yup. I did some research after writing that and found that out myself. Bummer, really hoping the shift spool is ok. I will test it and see. Need to order some parts and the manual for this engine and drive. I'd like to do bellows while I'm tearing into it as well. Then I'll get down and dirty and hope for best. Big thanks to everyone for the help.

 

[Bondo]

Need to order some parts and the manual for this engine and drive. I'd like to do bellows while I'm tearing into it as well. Then I'll get down and dirty and hope for best.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Wise decision,.... the rubber all rots 'bout the same time,....

Odds are a new lower cable will fix ya up,.....

In my signature is a link to Don'S Adults Only section, in there, follow the links to the free Merc factory manuals,.....

iboats also has the parts for the job,.....
somebody's gotta pay the rent for these free forums,....

 

[wrench 3]

I'd definitely replace the cable and see how it works before tearing the drive apart.

 

[Iceguy1]

Thank you everyone for your help. Just finally got done with a whole lot of work on the boat. Replaced the lower shift cable. Also replaced gimbal bearing, Bellows, belts, spark plugs and wires. The old girl fought me every step of the way but I got it done. Just took her out yesterday to test everything out. The shift cable took care of it. I've got her shifting perfectly. What a relief, on a windy day around the dock to actually be able to shift. I did however have to still use the elongated part of the slot that I modified earlier, in order to engage reverse, but it is shifting in and out of forward and reverse perfectly every time. I will certainly check the shift spool next time I'm replacing my impeller and or have the lower unit off for any reason. For now I'm happy with it as is. Thanks again to everyone. I do have a couple of other problems that I am working on addressing which I started a new thread for